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    Police Arrest Mortician After Eight Corpses Found in Cross River Embalmment Hall

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
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    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a mortician following the discovery of eight well-dried corpses at a local embalmment hall in Isong Inyang community along the Calabar–Ikom Highway.

    The corpses were found on Thursday after the police received credible information about their presence at the facility.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said operatives were mobilised to the scene at about 11:56 a.m. on February 13, 2026, to verify the report.

    “Upon arrival, eight well-dried corpses were discovered in the hall,” the statement read.

    The police identified the suspect as Sunday Ben Reuben, said to be a native of Nsit Ibom in Akwa Ibom State.

    Preliminary investigation, according to the command, indicates that the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

    The suspect is currently in custody, while a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery and whether any laws were contravened.

    The command urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation, assuring that further verified updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.

    Police authorities did not immediately state whether the corpses were properly documented or if the facility was licensed to operate.

    Victor Abang Says All 24 Wards in Ikom/Boki Have Benefited From Federal Projects

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
    -
    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Calabar — The lawmaker representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Victor Abang, has said every ward in the constituency has benefited from at least one federal intervention since he assumed office two and a half years ago NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.

    Abang made the claim on Monday while presenting his legislative and constituency scorecard at a town hall meeting and constituency briefing held in Calabar, amid growing public scrutiny of elected officials’ performance.

    The federal lawmaker said the constituency, which comprises 24 wards and is one of the largest in the state, had recorded projects at different stages of completion despite delays in the implementation of the federal budget.

    “In two and a half years, there is no ward without a project,” Abang said. “Some have been completed, some are ongoing, while others are awaiting execution.”

    He attributed delays in project delivery to what he described as a gap between budgetary provision and actual implementation, noting that several projects had already been captured in the federal budget and awarded to contractors pending release of funds.

    According to him, interventions across the wards include the construction and renovation of school blocks, installation of solar-powered streetlights, upgrades of primary healthcare facilities, grading of rural roads, and construction of community infrastructure such as guesthouses and market stalls.

    Abang also highlighted his legislative activities at the National Assembly, including motions on border security, wildlife invasion of farming communities, and labour-related disputes, as well as bills seeking the establishment of federal institutions in the areas of health, education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

    He said some of the bills had already passed through the House of Representatives and were awaiting concurrence by the Senate.

    The lawmaker said the town hall meeting was organised to bridge the gap between elected representatives and constituents, noting that many citizens only engage with their representatives during election periods.

    “Governance is continuous,” he said. “People deserve to know what their representatives are doing between elections.”

    Abang also acknowledged criticisms of elected officials on social media, saying some of the dissatisfaction stemmed from limited understanding of legislative procedures and budget execution processes.

    He assured constituents that engagements with relevant federal ministries and agencies would continue to ensure that projects captured in the budget are eventually executed across the constituency.

    The meeting was attended by political leaders, community representatives, women groups, former local government officials and party stakeholders from Ikom and Boki areas.

    Army Adjusts Screening Dates for Children of Fallen Personnel in Cross River

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
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    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Calabar, Nigeria — The Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army has announced an amendment to the schedule for the screening and verification exercise of children of deceased personnel under the Nigerian Army Education Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.  

    According to a statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the exercise, earlier slated for 2 February to 6 March 2026, will now hold nationwide from 9 February to 13 March 2026.

    Within the 82 Division area of responsibility, which includes formations under the Division such as the 13 Brigade, the exercise will be conducted at Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu, between 14 and 17 February 2026.

    The Army advised all eligible beneficiaries in Cross River State to take note of the adjustment and report to Enugu on the stipulated dates with all relevant documents as previously directed.

    Major Sokoya explained that the change was intended to ensure a seamless, transparent, and well-coordinated process for all qualified beneficiaries.

    He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare and educational advancement of the children of its fallen heroes, stressing that the scheme remains a vital support system for families of personnel who died in active service.

    Suspected Thief Lynched, Burnt beyond Recognition by Mob in Calabar

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
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    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Calabar, Nigeria — A suspected thief was lynched and burnt beyond recognition by a mob in Calabar South on Tuesday morning, according to the Cross River State Police Command.

    Police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that officers on early morning surveillance patrol from Atakpa Division received information about an unidentified male corpse, estimated to be about 22 years old, lying along Mayne Avenue by Nyong Edem Street. The location sits at the boundary between Atakpa and Efut Divisions.

    Preliminary reports suggest the deceased, along with two accomplices, allegedly attempted to vandalize an electric transformer at an undisclosed site. He was reportedly apprehended by a mob, lynched, set ablaze, and later transported to the scene where police recovered the body.

    ASP Sunday noted that there were no signs of struggle, weapons, or pre-burnt materials at the axis where the corpse was found. Photographs were taken, the body evacuated, and investigations have commenced.

    The police have condemned the act of jungle justice and assured that efforts are underway to track down those responsible for the lynching.

    Nelson A. Osuala Releases Transformative Books for Faith, Family, and Global Living

    By
    Negroidhaven
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    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Nelson A. Osuala’s books are more than resources—they are lifelines. Whether awakening faith, strengthening marriages, or guiding global citizens, his works inspire responsibility, renewal, and hope. 

    Renowned author and pastoral voice Nelson A. Osuala has released a powerful collection of books that speak directly to the challenges of modern Christian living, marital intimacy, and navigating life abroad. His works combine spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and compassionate guidance, making them essential resources for today’s readers.

    Believers on Spiritual Holiday

    A wake-up call to Christians who are active in church yet absent in spiritual depth. This book confronts comfort-driven faith and calls believers to spiritual alertness, renewal, and responsibility. Osuala challenges without condemning, offering a path back to intentional, disciplined Christian living.

    Available on Paystack, Selar, Gumroad, and Amazon.

    Available here: Paystack link

    How to Have and Enjoy Sex as a Christian Couple

    Breaking the silence around intimacy in Christian marriage, this book restores God’s original design for closeness. With biblical wisdom and pastoral counseling insight, Osuala helps couples move beyond guilt and confusion to embrace intimacy marked by trust, joy, and unity.

    Available on Paystack, Selar, Gumroad, and Amazon.

    Available here: Paystack link

    Staying Legal and Safe Abroad

    A practical guide for migrants, students, and workers navigating life overseas. Osuala explains common immigration mistakes and how to stay compliant, offering clarity without fear. This book empowers readers to make informed decisions and avoid deportation risks.

    Available on Paystack, Selar, Gumroad, and Amazon.

    Available here: Paystack link

    Readers worldwide can access his books on Selar, Gumroad, Amazon, and Paystack.

    Owakande/Obubra: C/River Community Appeals to Social Media Influencer VDM Over Water Crisis

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
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    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Supporters of the social media plea argued that influencers like VeryDarkMan have the reach to amplify neglected rural voices, while critics maintained that local government structures, including the Obubra LGA chairman’s office, should be the first port of call for community service delivery failures.

    Residents of Owakande community in Obubra LGA of Cross River state have taken to social media to appeal for help over lack of potable water, prompting mixed reactions from online users and raising broader questions about rural water delivery in the region NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.

    In a now-circulating video, community members called on Nigerian social media influencer and activist VeryDarkMan — known by his followers as “VDM” and leader of the Ratel Movement” — to draw attention to the hardship caused by the absence of clean water in Owakande, leading them to use potentially unsafe sources for drinking, cooking and bathing.

    VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse and who has millions of followers across social platforms, has mobilised his supporters under the Ratel Movement banner for community service and advocacy initiatives in Nigeria.

    While the online appeal has gained views and sympathy, some social media commenters questioned the residents’ decision to seek the intervention of an influencer rather than respective local government authorities.

    “Is VeryDarkMan your local government chairman? Call for your local government chairman and not VeryDarkMan,” one commenter argued, highlighting a recurring debate over the role of influencers versus elected officials in addressing public service failures.

    Obubra water projects underway amid ongoing rural challenges

    The online appeal coincides with ongoing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions by government and development partners in Obubra LGA, underscoring both the scale of rural water issues and efforts to address them.

    In 2025, the Cross River State Government launched the WASH Systems for Health programme (WS4H), backed by a ₦95 million counterpart fund approved by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, aimed at enhancing access to safe water and improved sanitation across Obubra communities.

    The programme, implemented through the state Ministry of Water Resources, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA) and development partners, seeks to strengthen local water systems, promote hygiene, and reduce water-borne diseases by building reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

    Authorities also inaugurated the Obubra Local Government Area Task Group on WASH, involving government officials, traditional leaders and development actors, to improve service delivery and community engagement at the grassroots level.

    Despite these interventions, water access remains inconsistent in some rural settlements, where streams, hand-dug wells or unprotected sources are often the only available options — a situation that health experts warn can elevate risks of waterborne diseases and poor sanitation outcomes.

     

    Ekpo Tete sworn in as UNICAL PGSG president, pledges inclusive leadership

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
    -
    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    The inauguration, witnessed by university officials, local government representatives, religious leaders, and postgraduate students, marked the restoration of elected leadership in the University of Calabar Postgraduate Students’ Government after a period of administrative uncertainty.

    Ekpo Okon Tete has been sworn in as the President of the Postgraduate Students’ Government (PGSG), University of Calabar (UNICAL), with a pledge to run an inclusive, accountable, and student-focused administration NEGROIDHAVEN can report.

    Tete was inaugurated on Monday at the UNICAL Senate Chambers following the successful conduct of the 2024/2025 postgraduate students’ elections.

    Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, the new PGSG president said his emergence was a collective victory for postgraduate students and promised to prioritise welfare, effective communication, and unity across academic programmes.

    “This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every postgraduate student who believes that our welfare matters, our voices deserve to be heard, and our academic journey should be supported by a conducive and dignified environment,” Tete said.

    He outlined his administration’s key priorities to include improved communication between postgraduate students and university management, the promotion of conducive learning conditions, unity among postgraduate programmes, and sustained engagement with management over what he described as excessive charges imposed on postgraduate students.

    Tete also extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, stressing that the task of building a stronger postgraduate association required collective commitment beyond the electoral process.

    UNICAL management hails credible election

    The University of Calabar management commended the postgraduate students for conducting what it described as a free, fair, and credible election, noting that the process marked a significant milestone in the institution’s student governance history.

    The Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Eyo Mensah, said the election was a “test case” for both the students and the university, adding that management was pleased with the outcome.

    According to him, the university had not conducted an elected PGSG leadership for a long time, making the successful inauguration of new officers a major achievement.

    He stated that the Vice-Chancellor of the institution had no preference regarding who emerged as leaders but consistently emphasised the need to avoid crises and ensure that the will of the majority prevailed.

    Warning against staff participation in PGSG leadership

    Prof. Mensah, however, issued a strong warning against staff members holding executive positions in the Postgraduate Students’ Government, citing conflict of interest.

    He explained that staff involvement in student leadership could undermine effective representation, especially in situations requiring confrontation or negotiation with university authorities.

    “If you are a staff member, you are free to participate in student politics, but you are not eligible to lead,” he said, adding that salaried staff members should not occupy postgraduate hostels, which are meant for students coming from distant locations.

    Former PGSG acting president hands over

    Former Acting President of the PGSG, Miss Hope Ante, formally handed over leadership to the new executive council and called on postgraduate students to remain united.

    Ante thanked the Electoral Committee for conducting a transparent election and expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on existing foundations to advance the interests of postgraduate students at the University of Calabar.

    “It has been a privilege to serve. I am confident that under the new leadership, the association will continue to grow,” she said.

    Electoral committee chair recounts challenges

    Earlier, the Chairman of the PGSG Electoral Committee, Ojedor Joseph Oko, narrated the challenges faced during the conduct of the election, describing the assignment as unexpected and demanding.

    Oko said he had been in Calabar for barely one year when he was entrusted with the responsibility of organising the election, adding that the committee faced internal differences during the process.

    Despite the challenges, he said the committee delivered a credible election and thanked key stakeholders for their support and confidence.

    Bakassi LG pledges support

    The Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Effiong Okon, represented by the council secretary, congratulated the newly inaugurated PGSG executives and pledged the council’s readiness to support postgraduate students when necessary.

    He described the inclusion of a Bakassi indigene in the executive council as a source of pride and assured the students of continued collaboration.

    List of newly inaugurated UNICAL PGSG executives

    The following officers were elected and sworn in to lead the Postgraduate Students’ Government:

    President: Ekpo Okon Tete

    Vice President: Eka Umoren

    Secretary General: Chikwado I. Cashmir

    Assistant Secretary: Stephen Ede Odama

    Financial Secretary: Leo Okon Asuquo

    Treasurer: Celina Kalise Injifuore

    Director of Welfare: Amba Ojong Mmfone

    Director of Socials: Samuel Uqantan

    Director of Information: Albert Aya Alagbor

    Provost Marshal: Emmanuel Ndze Chu

     

    APC Stakeholders Push Young Grassroots Leaders Ahead of Cross River Congresses

    By
    Negroidhaven
    -
    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of incumbent chapter chairmen in seven local government areas, describing the move as a deliberate effort to strengthen the party through youthful, grassroots-driven leadership ahead of the forthcoming congresses.

    The stakeholders said the chairmen represent a new generation of party leaders who have grown within the APC structure and possess the energy, organisational capacity and grassroots connection required to reposition the party for future electoral contests.

    The chairmen endorsed for a second term include Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong of Boki, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP of Bekwarra, Sir Gerald Esin of Bakassi, Pst Joshua Igboke of Abi, Paul Ogeh Adinye of Ogoja, Ogar Solomon of Yala and Pst George Ejikang of Obanliku.

    Speaking in separate interviews across the affected local government areas, party leaders and stakeholders said the decision to retain the relatively young chapter chairmen was informed by their proven commitment to party growth, internal cohesion and effective grassroots mobilisation.

    According to the stakeholders, the APC in Cross River is gradually transitioning from reliance on old political structures to empowering emerging leaders who understand contemporary political realities and are closer to the people at the ward and polling unit levels.

    In Bakassi Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Nyong described the chapter chairman, Sir Gerald Esin, as a young but focused leader who has demonstrated loyalty to the party and its leadership. He said Esin’s accessibility and hands-on approach have helped to deepen party membership and strengthen unity in the coastal council.

    Nyong added that sustaining such leadership was critical as the party prepares for future elections.

    In Bekwarra, Chief Emmanuel Ogbang said stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the return of Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP, noting that his leadership style reflects a blend of youthful dynamism and respect for party elders.

    According to him, Odama has served as a bridge between the older generation of politicians and younger party members, a quality he said has helped to stabilise the APC and promote internal harmony in the area.

    Endorsing the Abi chapter chairman, Pst Joshua Igboke, party stalwart Justin Elemi said the local government required a chairman with strong grassroots appeal and the ability to connect with ordinary party members.

    Elemi noted that the APC’s focus on younger leaders was already yielding positive results at the ward level, adding that continuity would allow the party to consolidate on existing structures rather than experiment with untested leadership.

    In Ogoja, Chief Abang Abang said stakeholders were united in backing the re-election of Paul Ogeh Adinye, whom he described as a product of the party’s internal grooming process with a solid understanding of party administration.

    Similarly, Stephen Adie from Obudu Urban said the endorsement of Pst George Ejikang in Obanliku was informed by his resilience and commitment to the party, particularly during periods of opposition pressure.

    Boki Local Government Area led the wave of endorsements, with stakeholders backing Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong, who also serves as chairman of the Forum of APC Chairmen in the state, for a second term.

    Njong was endorsed alongside the 11 ward councillors of the local government by elected party officials, political appointees and party leaders across the two state constituencies in Boki.

    The endorsement exercise was led by the member representing Boki Constituency II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hillary Bisong, alongside the member representing Boki Constituency I, Philip Bette Obi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jeke Enya.

    Speaking on the development, Bisong said the APC’s decision to support emerging grassroots leaders was aimed at building a sustainable party structure capable of winning elections and nurturing future political leadership in the state.

    He noted that the retention of youthful chapter chairmen would promote continuity, stability and long-term growth within the party.

    Ikom/Obudu Fed. Road: Rep Explains Delay in Infrastructure, Urges Residents Not to Block Highway

    By
    Efio-Ita Nyok
    -
    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Calabar— A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, has explained why construction work has yet to begin on a major federal road serving parts of Cross River state, saying that budgetary provision does not automatically translate to immediate project execution.

    Abang, who represents the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, made the clarification on Monday during a town hall meeting and constituency briefing held in Calabar, following growing public complaints over the poor state of the Ikom/Obudu Federal Highway and calls for protests and road blockades especially in the said road.

    According to the lawmaker, the federal government has already made provisions for the construction and reconstruction of the said route in the national budget, but delays persist due to the gap between budget approval and project actualisation.

    He disclosed that evidence of the budgetary provision was contained in official correspondence from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, in response to an earlier appeal by the Governor of Cross River state requesting federal intervention on the Ikom/Obudu road.

    “Budgeting and actualisation are two different things,” Abang said. “The fact that a road is captured in the budget does not mean that construction will begin immediately.”

    The legislator explained that he, alongside other lawmakers whose constituencies are affected by the road, had engaged the Minister of Works to press for the commencement of the project. He said the group included members of the House of Representatives and senators representing communities that rely heavily on the route for economic and social activities.

    Abang noted that sustained lobbying, combined with the intervention of the state government, was responsible for ensuring that the road project was included in the federal budget in the first place, adding that further engagement with relevant authorities would continue until construction begins.

    He cautioned residents against resorting to blocking the road or preventing movement as a form of protest, warning that such actions could have adverse consequences for the same communities they were intended to help.

    “If you go and block the route and say people should not pass, we will be punishing ourselves,” he said. “There are several roads like this across Nigeria, and while we are pushing for this one, others are also competing for attention.”

    The lawmaker urged constituents to exercise patience and allow ongoing legislative and executive engagements to run their course, stressing that agitation alone would not accelerate project delivery.

    The town hall meeting, which brought together political leaders, community representatives, women groups and party officials from across the constituency, was convened to brief residents on Abang’s legislative activities and federal interventions since his assumption of office.

    Abang said the meeting was part of an effort to bridge the gap between elected representatives and constituents, noting that many citizens only interact with their representatives during election periods.

    “Governance does not stop at elections,” he said. “It is important for people to understand what their representatives are doing and how government processes work.”

    He also acknowledged criticisms directed at elected officials on social media, attributing some of the dissatisfaction to limited public understanding of legislative procedures and budget implementation timelines.

    While reaffirming his commitment to pushing for the road project, Abang said constituents would continue to be updated on progress made through engagements with the Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies.

    Recall that recently constituents were seen protesting at the said Ikom/Obudu Federal Highway where they threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections.

    Fake News, Quackery in Media Practise Threat to Societal Development – UNICAL HOD

    By
    Negroidhaven
    -
    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    University don and Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the University of Calabar, Dr. Ukam I. Ngwu, Esq has identified invasion of the media space by unqualified persons as the root cause of rising quackery and fake news syndrome threatening society development.

    Speaking during an orientation exercise organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies for newly admitted students of the faculty which held today, January 4, 2026 at the University of Calabar international Conference Centre, Dr. Ngwu lamented that accurate and reliable Information now a scarce commodity in Nigeria.

    The University don admonished the Students, particularly those admitted into the Department of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the University to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge and expertise needed to drive the media sector and redeem our society from fake news.

    Journo Barr. Ngwu also used the opportunity to call for the full regulation of media space in Nigeria and advocated for a legislation that will help address the porosity in Journalism practise and restrict it to only licenced professionals.

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